🍫 Mediterranean Chocolate Custard Cream Dessert

📖 Description

This dessert combines:

• A silky milk custard base (similar to Muhallabia)

• A rich chocolate ganache-style topping

• No oven required

• Simple pantry ingredients

It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and melts in your mouth. Perfect for gatherings, Ramadan tables, or family dinners.

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Cream Layer:

• 1 liter whole milk

• 1 cup sugar

• 6 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 200 g semi-sweet chocolate

• 1 cup heavy cream
  OR

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder + 2 tablespoons sugar + 1/2 cup milk (budget version)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Layer

1. In a pot, add milk, sugar, and cornstarch.

2. Whisk well while cold to prevent lumps.

3. Place on medium heat and stir constantly.

4. Cook until thick and creamy (about 7–10 minutes).

5. Add vanilla and butter. Stir until smooth.

6. Pour into a glass dish.

7. Let cool 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

Option 1 (Rich Ganache – Best Texture)

1. Heat the heavy cream until hot (not boiling).

2. Pour over chopped chocolate.

3. Let sit 2 minutes.

4. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Option 2 (Simple Cocoa Version)

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and milk.

2. Cook on low heat until slightly thick.

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Step 3: Assemble

1. Gently pour chocolate over the cream layer.

2. Spread evenly.

3. Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (best overnight).

4. Slice and serve cold.

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🍽 Serving Tips

• Garnish with crushed pistachios (very Mediterranean touch)

• Add shredded coconut

• Serve with Arabic coffee or mint tea

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1️⃣ Why is my cream layer lumpy?

You probably added cornstarch to hot milk. Always mix while milk is cold first.

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2️⃣ Why did my layers mix?

The base was too hot when adding chocolate. Let it cool slightly before topping.

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3️⃣ Can I make it lighter?

Yes:

• Use low-fat milk

• Replace half the cream with milk in the chocolate layer

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4️⃣ How long does it last?

Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered.

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5️⃣ Can I freeze it?

Not recommended — texture becomes watery after thawing.

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6️⃣ Can I add a biscuit base?

Yes! Add crushed tea biscuits mixed with melted butter as the first layer and chill before adding custard.

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🌿 Variations

• Add orange zest to chocolate layer

• Add rose water to cream layer (Middle Eastern flavor)

• Make white chocolate topping instead

• Add a layer of caramel between cream and chocolate.